Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has sparked outrage after announcing her support for former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
Collins, who played a key role in creating the position of DNI with the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, defended her decision in a statement. She said she understood the importance of the DNI’s role, but claimed the office had grown too large. According to Collins, Gabbard shares her vision of “returning the agency to its intended size.”
Collins also said that Gabbard “addressed my concerns” about her past support for Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified information and sought asylum in Russia.
Her decision to back Gabbard, a former congresswoman frequently accused of spreading conspiracy theories and pro-Russian propaganda, sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) slammed Collins, asking, “Why bother even being a Senator if you think Tulsi Gabbard is fit for DNI?” He added, “Just admit you’re a g-d rubber stamp for a felonious rapist.”
The criticism didn’t stop there. Andrew Eastmond, a leadership fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, called Collins’ decision a sign that her political courage was gone.
“Susan Collins’ spine appears to have gone the way of Lindsey Graham’s,” Eastmond wrote. “Maybe the ghost of McCain needs to pay them a visit…”
Others were even harsher. “Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic,” wrote Bridgeport, Pennsylvania Councilman Tony Heyl.
Former MSNBC commentator Mehdi Hasan said it was just another example of “GOP senators fall[ing] into line. Again.”
T.J. Adams-Falconer, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, didn’t hold back either, calling Collins “a classically trained clown.”
For many, Collins’ support of Gabbard—who has been criticized for her controversial stances on foreign policy—underscores the growing weakness of Republican leaders who seem to put party loyalty above the country’s best interests. The backlash is clear: this move may have done more to damage Collins’ credibility than help Gabbard’s cause.
